Wharton Arts Unveils 2024-25 Season Celebrating Joy Through Performing Arts

Wharton Arts, New Jersey's largest independent non-profit performing arts education center, has announced its 2024-25 season, focusing on creating, experiencing, and sharing joy through the performing arts. The upcoming season promises a diverse array of performances and programs designed to engage audiences of all ages across 12 counties in New Jersey.

The season's highlights include the Signature Concert Series by the New Jersey Youth Symphony, featuring patriotic and peace-themed concerts with award-winning guest soloists. A collaboration between the New Jersey Youth Chorus and the professional women's a cappella group Lyyra is also scheduled. The Paterson Music Project will present a Black History Month Celebration, while the Performing Arts School will stage productions of 'Alice in Wonderland JR' and the Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Next to Normal'.

Executive Director Gina Caruso emphasized the organization's commitment to serving nearly 2,000 students across various backgrounds, stating, "We invite everyone to be part of a joyful celebration through a wide range of spectacular performances and programs for students of all ages and backgrounds." Artistic Director Helen Cha-Pyo added that the season aims to remind everyone of music's power to connect cultures, carry emotions, and unite people of all ages.

The announcement of the new season coincides with Wharton Arts' implementation of a new strategic plan. This plan focuses on creating meaningful connections, fostering creativity in young people and across generations, and ensuring access to outstanding music and theater arts education. The organization's comprehensive approach encompasses four distinct programs: the New Jersey Youth Chorus, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, and Performing Arts School.

Wharton Arts' commitment to accessibility is reflected in its mission to offer high-quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities. The organization provides need-based scholarships, ensuring that performing arts education is available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. This approach aligns with their vision of making transformative performing arts education accessible to everyone in an inclusive community setting.

As the largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center in New Jersey, Wharton Arts' 2024-25 season represents a significant cultural offering for the state. The diverse programming and inclusive approach highlight the organization's role in nurturing talent, fostering community engagement, and promoting the arts as a vehicle for social action and personal development.